Rumor: Delayed Kanye West album could debut on Apple's streaming music service

A tenuous rumor on Thursday claims there might be a connection between Apple's unannounced streaming music service and the release of a long-delayed album from Kanye West, who recently signed a partnership deal with competitor Tidal.

Citing industry "chatter," HitsDailyDouble reports Kanye's hotly anticipated release could line up with the debut of Apple's streaming music service, which is expected to launch in June.

The hip-hop star is supposedly distancing himself from streaming music upstart Tidal, which was purchased by rapper Jay Z and relaunched to much fanfare in March. HDD relayed rumors earlier this month that Kanye will part ways with management company Roc Nation -- also owned by Jay Z -- though other publications have refuted those claims.

Today's report also said Tidal's access to exclusive content from big-name artists is putting pressure on Apple to nab its own exclusives, which in turn has disrupted the industry status quo. Both companies are reportedly talking directly with artists before negotiating with music labels, creating an awkward dynamic for acts who agree to deliver exclusives.

Netting an early Kanye release would be a big win for Apple, as the company has been beating the bushes for artist exclusives in preparation launching its new streaming service. Thought to be a revamped and rebranded Beats Music, Apple's upcoming product could include cheaper pricing, exclusive content and social networking features.

Apple is expected to announce its new streaming service at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 8. A report on Wednesday said Russia would be among the first countries to gain access to Apple's unannounced on-demand service, suggesting the company is gunning for a global launch.

Congrats! Would you like another swing at the dead horse? I think there's still a little flesh on its ribs. :no:

You have to admit that was incredibly tone deaf on Apple's part. They could have made the album free in the iTunes store without pushing it to everyone's device as though they purchased it. Lots of people have their devices set to auto download and even if they didn't they still didn't want to see it in their purchased history when they never downloaded it. It was just a dumb, expensive thing to do. Obviously Apple agreed as they provided a tool for people to get rid of it.

You really found the biggest douche on the planet to partner with if its true.

I decided not to support tidal to avoid paying Kanye's cocky friend. I hope this report isn't true. But would be funny if Kanye turned his back on Roc Nation like JZ betrayed his manager who made him famous.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE MOST ANTICIPATED HIP HOP ALBUM IN HISTORY IS?

It's Dr Dre's Detox... and it was never released.

Releasing Detox on Apple's service on launch could grab so many people.

No kidding. I get the feeling this music service will be one big money pit with Apple spending big bucks to get artist exclusives.

No doubt this service will be HUGE!!

But there's a better solution. Make Apple a record label. Artists get paid MORE and instantly. I find it strange 2 of the biggest record executives in the industry are employed at Apple, but aren't singing artists.

Please, God, do not let this douche be the music talent at the WWDC keynote. In fact, do not even let the cry baby or his useless media-whore tramp of a wife set foot anywhere near the convention center. If Apple associates itself with Kanye I can only imagine all the hate emails Tim Cook will get. Mr Cook, please do not fall for the self-promotion hype, nobody really likes Kanye, do not force the drama on us.

You have to admit that was incredibly tone deaf on Apple's part. They could have made the album free in the iTunes store without pushing it to everyone's device as though they purchased it. Lots of people have their devices set to auto download and even if they didn't they still didn't want to see it in their purchased history when they never downloaded it. It was just a dumb, expensive thing to do. Obviously Apple agreed as they provided a tool for people to get rid of it.

You're still ranting and raving about this?

And no, Apple didn't "obviously agree" that it was a "dumb" move simply because they offered a removal tool. It was simply a response to placate the sensationalized bitching and whining, that was less from actual Apple users, and move from people desperate to have an opportunity to bash Apple, and tech blogs desperate for hits. The fact that you see it as "evidence" of a wrong move is pretty hilarious. Is the fact that Apple responded to bendgate and invited media into its testing labs also evidence that they fucked up? No, it was for PR.

Please, God, do not let this douche be the music talent at the WWDC keynote. In fact, do not even let the cry baby or his useless media-whore tramp of a wife set foot anywhere near the convention center. If Apple associates itself with Kanye I can only imagine all the hate emails Tim Cook will get. Mr Cook, please do not fall for the self-promotion hype, nobody really likes Kanye, do not force the drama on us.

The disaster it would cause he would probably tell Tim Cook to "shut up lord Yeezus is speaking!"

Please, God, do not let this douche be the music talent at the WWDC keynote. In fact, do not even let the cry baby or his useless media-whore tramp of a wife set foot anywhere near the convention center. If Apple associates itself with Kanye I can only imagine all the hate emails Tim Cook will get. Mr Cook, please do not fall for the self-promotion hype, nobody really likes Kanye, do not force the drama on us.

I agree...he was damn near booed off the stage when he last preformed. I have no use for the arrogant act he puts on.

Eh, Apple's basically using Kanye's media rep to their own advantage. This story will be endlessly posted all over Reddit, Facebook, etc. and get a lot of free publicity for their streaming music service.

True, a lot of people can't stand Kanye, but he does sell lots of "records" and even the people who hate him passionately will still check out the streaming service.